My First Paper Workshop

Paper. Markers. Scissors. Plastic sheets. Glue.

Add five friends, and you have the ingredients for my very first paper workshop.

If you missed it, I shared some of my paper creations in a previous newsletter. You can read it here.

For three afternoons, girls ages 5 to 12 came to make squishy books—paper creations filled with stuffing—and dream bedroom scenes.

The room was often messy. There was lots of chatting, laughing, and giggling. But somehow, we still got a lot done!

paper workshop — A few months ago, I was making squishy books by myself.

art workshop san francisco — This week, I was teaching my friends how to make them.

The idea for the workshop actually started with my sister Léna. After seeing all the paper creations I had been making, she suggested that I share them with other girls.

She was right!

I had been making squishy books for months and really enjoyed it. I also thought it was a pretty original idea. Many workshops are about painting, drawing, or sewing. I’ve never seen a class focused on paper creations like this, even though I think kids would really enjoy making them.

Since making a squishy book takes a few days, a workshop felt like the perfect format. I had also posted some of my books on Instagram, and a few people asked if they could buy one. Instead of selling them, I thought it would be more fun to teach other kids how to make their own.

After the workshop, Léna had a few questions for me.

Léna: Was it difficult to organize your first workshop?

Solène: Not really. One thing I liked about this workshop was that the supplies were easy to find and pretty affordable. I mainly needed paper, markers, scissors, plastic sheets, glue, and stuffing.

Since I had been making paper creations for months, I already knew exactly what I wanted to teach.

Léna: What was your favorite part?

Solène: Seeing everyone’s projects come together!

paper craft — Finished! The character can be moved around the room.

Another highlight was snack time, especially because my hamsters came to say hello and were a big hit. In fact, one girl suggested that next time I advertise the workshop, I should mention the hamsters!

squishy character — She even named her squishy book “Pompom” after my hamster. I wasn’t expecting that!

squishy characers — The squishy characters started as paper drawings before being stuffed and sealed.

Léna: What did you learn from teaching?
Solène: I learned that I really enjoy it. I felt comfortable teaching and helping everyone with their projects. I wasn’t nervous because the girls were my friends, and everything went pretty smoothly.
One thing that surprised me was how flexible the workshop could be. Not everyone attended the same number of sessions, but we could easily adapt the projects to fit the time they had.
Léna: How did your friends like it?
Solène: I think they enjoyed it! I was happy to see that girls of different ages connected so well during the workshop. One 5-year-old came for her very first workshop and fit right in with the older girls.

Afterward, I asked what their favorite part was, and here’s what Lea said:

paper workshop for teens — “Solène had time for everyone when we needed help. In my other art class, the teachers don’t get a lot of one-on-one time with the students.”

Comments like that made me even more excited to organize another workshop someday.

Léna: So, there will be another workshop?
Solène: I think so!
I loved spending time with my friends and sharing something I enjoy.
I would also love it if other kids offered workshops that I could take.

paper workshop for kids san francisco